6 Password Management Best Practices to Safeguard your Account

“Treat your password like your toothbrush. Don’t let anybody else use it, and get a new one every six months.” – Clifford Stoll

Such is the importance of a password for one’s digital privacy and security. However, online users still continue to choose simplicity and convenience over the security of their accounts by using the bad passwords such as 123456, Password, 12345, 1234567, abc123 and so on. Bear in mind that it won’t take hackers a minute to guess if you are using any of the above passwords. Well, we have some password management best practices  for you:

Never Share your Passwords with Anyone

Make sure not to share your passwords with anyone, even if it is your dear ones. Also, never give your secret details such as username to anyone over phone or email.

Never Choose a Password Based upon Personalized Information

Passwords based upon your personal information such as date of birth, name etc., should not be used. Using such information makes it easy for attackers to crack your passwords.

Create Unique Passwords

The longer the password, the harder it is to guess by anyone. Make your passwords at least 12 characters long with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numerals and other special characters.

Keep Changing Them on Regular Basis

Changing your passwords once a month is one of the password management best practices  to make it tough for cyber hackers to guess your sensitive credentials. Therefore, it is advisable to change them time-to-time.

Consider Using an Online Password Manager

Use an online password manager is a tool to keep your online credentials safe and secure. It stores all your passwords, and keep you logged-in so that you don’t have to remember much.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security which provides protection to all your critical accounts from e-threats. In the process of 2FA, not only a username and a password is required, but also the details which only the user knows and possesses. ATM machine is a good example of 2FA where bank card (something the user possesses) and a PIN (something the user knows) is required, for the transaction to be carried out.

Apart from keeping strong password, it’s also important to use an internet security software to remain safe online.

What’s more? Share with us in the comments section below.